Feasibility study for estimating optimal substrate parameters for sustainable green roof in Sri Lanka

Shuraik A. Kader, Velibor Spalevic and Branislav Dudic ()
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Shuraik A. Kader: Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
Velibor Spalevic: University of Montenegro
Branislav Dudic: Comenius University Bratislava

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2024, vol. 26, issue 1, No 102, 2507-2533

Abstract: Abstract In twenty-first century buildings, green roof systems are envisioned as great solution for improving Environmental sustainability in urban ecosystems and it helps to mitigate various health hazards for humans due to climatic pollution. This study determines the feasibility of using five domestic organic wastes, including sawdust, wood bark, biochar, coir, and compost, as sustainable substrates for green roofs as compared to classical Sri Lankan base medium (fertiliser + potting mix) in terms of physicochemical and biological parameters associated with growing mediums. Comprehensive methodologies were devised to determine the thermal conductivity and electric conductivity of growing mediums. According to preliminary experimental results, the most suitable composition for green roof substrates comprised 60% organic waste and 40% base medium. Sawdust growing medium exhibited the highest moisture content and minimum density magnitudes. Biochar substrate was the best performing medium with the highest drought resistance and vegetation growth. The wood bark substrate had the highest thermal resistance. Growing mediums based on compost, sawdust, and coir produced the best results in terms of nitrate, phosphate, pH, and electric conductivity (EC) existence. This study provided a standard set of comprehensive comparison methodologies utilising physicochemical and biological properties required for substrate characterization. The findings of this research work have strong potential in the future to be used in selecting the most suitable lightweight growing medium for a green roof based on stakeholder requirements.

Keywords: Organic wastes; Green roof; Urban ecosystems; Sustainable substrate (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-022-02837-y

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